17 Seat Minibuses
D1 and non-D1 minibus leasing options on 17-seat minibuses.
17-seat Minibus Leasing; Your largest minibus option
16 passenger seats is the maximum number of passengers you can drive on a B1 (standard car licence) or D1 category licence, so 17-seat minibuses remain a firm favourite with schools and organisations looking to move larger groups of passengers in comfort and style.
With the costs of hiring buses and taxis skyrocketing, you might find the monthly fixed cost of leasing a 17-seat minibus pales in comparison, especially as the vehicle will be yours to use as and when you want to.
No more public transport or the cost and complexities of hiring buses or arranging taxis. With a 17-seater, your group can travel all together in comfort, with more than enough room for bags and personal items.
Our selection of 17-seat minibuses at Rivervale includes D1 and non-D1 options from top brands in the commercial transport sector, ensuring safety, comfort, and efficiency.
These larger vehicles come with essential features like factory-fitted seatbelts, emergency exits, and air conditioning, making every journey pleasant for passengers. With advancements in engine efficiency and safety, our large passenger vehicles are at their best.
All our leasing vehicles come with your logo and livery applied, so you can show off your new minibus to your local community from day one. Our fully maintained contracts include your regular services and MOTs, as well as replacement tyres (wear and tear only). You can also relax knowing you have roadside assistance included; we even have a free app to complete daily walk-around checks, which will help your drivers prepare for every journey.
Browse our range of 17-seaters, including the UK's most popular choice, the Ford Transit Minibus, known for its stylish exterior, spacious and comfortable interior and the WAV ‘lightweight’ 17-seat minibuses from Peugeot and Citroen, that can be driven with a standard car licence.
What is the difference between a D1 and non-D1 17-seat minibus?
The difference is the type and age of driving licences needed to drive these vehicles.
The Citroen Relay and Peugeot Boxer are both wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, meaning they have specialist equipment for wheelchair users fitted. This specialist equipment increases the permissible GVW of the vehicle to 4250kg, meaning it can be driven on a standard car licence, with no D1 entitlement, provided it is being operated under a Section 19 Permit. This additional weight allowance can only be used for specialist equipment.
17-seat minibuses without specialist equipment, such as the Ford Transit, can only be driven by those who have D1 entitlement on their driving licences. This can either be inherited, on driving licences issued before 1 January 1997, or drivers can take the full D1 driving test.
So, non-D1 minibus can be driven on a standard car licence, regardless of when it was issued, and D1 Minibuses require either inherited D1 entitlement or the full D1 licence.
Get in touch today
Give our minibus team a call on 01869 253744 to discuss what you need and how we might help.
Shoreham College chose 17 seat Ford minibuses
A behind-the-scenes look at how we prepare your minibuses ready for delivery, made with the kind permission of Shoreham College, who ordered a fleet of 17-seat Ford Transits from Rivervale Minibus.
They make an impressive sight and a great advertisement for the college.
